Sonia Kandera

Why drawing?

I have liked to draw and colour for as long as I can remember. It was always my “go to” pastime.

Drawing is really an outlet for me… there are days where I actually have the feeling come over me that “I need to draw something”… It feels good, its relaxing, and I need to get the many ideas out of my head and onto paper, whether it is a character I thought up, a pattern that’s been circling in my brain, or a colour scheme that comes to me. I think it is a feeling, a desire that will always be there.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Nature inspires me most. I often get tons of inspiration when I am travelling…I always have a blank page journal with me for emergencies! I am rarely stuck for ideas…too many ideas is my problem! Many people inspire me, different people all the time, but as far as artists go, one of my favourites is Gustav Klimt.

Are you a perfectionist?

I am a perfectionist, and it sometimes affects my creative process, however I have learned to deal with it by walking away from a project for a while…sometimes a few hours or sometimes a few months, then I can go back to it and hopefully not have such a critical eye once I’ve had some space. Perfectionism is only the enemy if you can’t figure out how to control it.

How do you handle your inner critic?

Of course everyone has an inner critic. I try to be very open minded when it comes to my art… often I look at someone else’s art and think, “ oh they draw so much better than me… I’m not that good…” but I remind myself that my style is my own, and people do like it because it sells! If everyone’s art was the same it would be very boring!

Proudest moment?

I am always proud when my husband and my family, my Dad compliment my work. The people closest to me matter most… but I was also very proud when I had my very first display of my art at a local art store. It was  very small and all the pieces I sold were to people I know! Haha, but it was a huge step for me to put my art on display, literally and figuratively, and propelled me forward.

Failures?

I have had many… craft shows and markets with poor sales comes to mind… but there is no choice for me right now other than to keep going. This is my love.

Social media – yes or no?

Social media has been a very positive thing for me although it took me long time to embrace it! I have found some art groups to join which are full of very talented, positive people that are great when I need a little encouragement or have questions. It has been great for promoting my work and upcoming markets too… how else to do that in this day and age?

Future projects?

I want to get better at watercolor painting. I would love to have a steady income somehow from my art, but sometimes I think the term “starving artist” is a factual thing, and I will always need my Monday to Friday job.

Favourite quote/ mantra/ or advice

One of my favourite quotes: “A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” (George A. Moore) I think people spend too much time searching for what is right in front of them. Make your home your happy place so you can wander and explore the world but still have what is good for your soul when you come back.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kanderastudio/

Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KanderaStudio

Feb 2019